brake fluid Ram 3500 2020 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: RAM, Model Year: 2020, Model line: 3500, Model: Ram 3500 2020Pages: 568
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422SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission
performance and life. Use only the
manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications”. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid. No chemical flushes
should be used in any transmission; only the
approved lubricant should be used.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against using any special additives in the
transmission. Automatic Transmission Fluid
(ATF) is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid
additives to the transmission. The only
exception to this policy is the use of special dyes
for diagnosing fluid leaks in six-speed
transmissions. Avoid using transmission
sealers as they may adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check — Eight-Speed
Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. Routine fluid level checks are not
required, therefore the transmission has no
dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service
tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission
malfunction, visit an authorized dealer
immediately to have the transmission fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an
improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
WARNING! (Continued)CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder, and
(for six-speed transmissions) will require
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for fluid specifications.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage
your transmission components. Such damage
is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE423
Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed
Transmission
It is best to check the fluid level when the
transmission is at normal operating
temperature (158-176°F / 70-80°C). This
normally occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km)
of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the
fingertips. You can read the transmission sump
temperature in the instrument cluster screen
refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
Use the following procedure to check the
transmission fluid level properly:
1. Monitor the transmission temperature using the instrument cluster display, and
operate the vehicle as required to reach
the normal operating temperature. If the transmission is not functioning properly, or
the vehicle cannot be driven, see the NOTE
and CAUTION below about checking the
fluid level at colder temperatures.
2. Park the vehicle on level ground.
3. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60 seconds, and leave the engine
running for the rest of this procedure.
4. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal.
5. Place the gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the
transmission to fully engage in each
position), ending with the transmission in
PARK.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
7. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level
reading is only valid if there is a solid
coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full
of fluid if the actual level is at or above the
hole. The fluid level should be between the
“HOT” (upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. If
the fluid level is low, add fluid through the
dipstick tube to bring it to the proper level.
Do not overfill.
Use ONLY the specified fluid
refer to "Fluids And Lubricants" in
“Technical Specifications” for fluid specifi -
cations. After adding any quantity of oil
through the dipstick tube, wait a minimum
of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the
fluid level.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission
below the operating temperature, the fluid level
should be between the two “COLD” (lower)
holes on the dipstick with the fluid at 60-70°F /
16-21°C. Only use the COLD region of the
dipstick as a rough reference when setting the
fluid level after a transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as
required, once the transmission reaches
normal operating temperature.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. An
authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.
7
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424SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
8. Reinsert the dipstick. Check for leaks.
Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission
below the operating temperature, the fluid level
should be between the two COLD (lower) holes
on the dipstick with the fluid at 68-86°F /
20-30°C. Only use the COLD region of the
dipstick as a rough reference when setting the
fluid level after a transmission service or fluid
change. Re-check the fluid level, and adjust as
required, once the transmission reaches
normal operating temperature.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Eight-Speed
Transmission
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not
required. However, change the fluid and filter if
the fluid becomes contaminated (with water,
etc.), or if the transmission is disassembled for
any reason.
Fluid And Filter Changes — Six Speed
Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filters if the
fluid becomes contaminated (with water, etc.),
or if the transmission is disassembled for any
reason.
REAR AXLE AND 4X4 FRONT DRIVING
A
XLE FLUID LEVEL
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks
are not required. When the vehicle is serviced
for other reasons the exterior surfaces of the
axle assembly should be inspected. If gear oil
leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information. This
inspection should be made with the vehicle in a
level position.
For all 2500/3500 Model axles, the fluid level
should be 1/4 in ± 1/4 in (6.4 mm ± 6.4 mm)
below the fill hole on the 9.25 in front, 11.5 in
rear axle, and 12.0 in rear axle.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
NOTE:
The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differ -
ential components. Operation of the vehicle in
water, as may be encountered in some
off-highway types of service, will require
draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Limited-Slip Differentials DO REQUIRE limited
slip oil additive (friction modifiers).
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C)
it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough
to produce an accurate reading. Run the
engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the fluid.
CAUTION!
If the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C)
it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough
to produce an accurate reading. Run the
engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the fluid.
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452
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found
on the left front corner of the instrument panel,
visible through the windshield.
Vehicle Identification Number
NOTE:
It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the
engine off), the brakes will still function. However, you will experience a substantial
increase in braking effort to stop the vehicle.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses
normal braking capability, the remaining
system will still function with some loss of
overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during
application, greater pedal force required to slow
or stop, and activation of the “Brake Warning
Light” and/or the “ABS Warning Light” during
brake use.
HYDRAULIC BRAKE ASSIST — IF
E
QUIPPED
The brake system power assist is provided by a
hydro-boost unit which shares fluid with the
power steering system. You may experience
some clicking or hissing noises from the
hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE:
Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering fluid
reaches operating temperature.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to
ensure that the wheel is properly mounted to
the vehicle. Any time a wheel has been removed
and reinstalled on the vehicle, the lug nuts/
bolts should be torqued using a properly
calibrated torque wrench using a high quality six
sided (hex) deep wall socket.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
**Use only authorized dealer recommended
lug nuts/bolts and clean or remove any dirt or
oil before tightening.
Lug Nut/
Bolt
Torque Lug Nut/
Bolt Type **Lug
Nut/Bolt
SizeLug Nut/
Bolt
Socket
Size
130
Ft-Lbs
(176 N·m) Cone
M14 x
1.5022 mm
140
Ft-Lbs
(190 N·m) Flanged
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS463
CHASSIS
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – Eight-Speed Automatic Use only Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid, or
equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission.
Transfer Case We recommend you use Mopar Transfer Case Lubricant for Borg Warner
44-44 and 44-45.
Front and Rear Axle We recommend you use SAE 75W-85 HD Ram GL-5 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant in 9.25 Front, 11.5 and 12.0 (Single Rear Wheel) Rear Axles.
Use Mopar GL-5 Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140 in 12.0 (Dual
Rear Wheel) Rear axles. Limited slip additive is required for limited slip
axles.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar DOT 3.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use Mopar Power Steering Fluid +4 or Mopar ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid.
8
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466TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
CHASSIS
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – 6.7L Diesel with 68RFE Only use ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4 fluid
may affect the function or performance of your transmission. We
recommend Mopar ATF+4 fluid.
Automatic Transmission – 6.7L Diesel with AISIN (AS69RC) Only use Mopar ASRC Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.Failure
to use the proper fluid may affect the function or performance of your
transmission
Transfer Case We recommend you use Mopar BW44–44 Transfer Case Fluid.
Front and Rear Axle Fluid (2500/3500) We recommend you use SAE 75W-85 HD Ram GL-5 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant in 9.25 Front, 11.5 and 12.0 (Single Rear Wheel) Rear Axles.
Use Mopar GL-5 Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140 in 12.0 (Dual
Rear Wheel) Rear axles. Limited slip additive is required for limited slip
axles.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar DOT 3.
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552
INDEX
A
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)
.............................................. 282Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 418Adding Fuel.......................................... 319, 320Additives, Fuel............................................... 454AdjustDown........................................................... 35Forward....................................................... 35Rearward..................................................... 35Up................................................................ 35Adjustable Pedals............................................ 42Air BagAir Bag Operation...................................... 185Air Bag Warning Light................................ 182Enhanced Accident Response......... 189, 384Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 384If Deployment Occurs................................ 188Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 185Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 190Maintenance............................................. 190Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............183Transporting Pets...................................... 209Air Bag Light............................... 130, 182, 210Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air
Cleaner Filter)...................................... 403, 425
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 405Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 405, 406Air Conditioner System................................. 405Air Conditioning......................................... 57, 67Air Conditioning Filter..............................69, 406Air Conditioning System................................... 67Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 68Air Filter........................................................ 403Air PressureTires......................................................... 436AlarmPanic........................................................... 15Security Alarm....................................25, 132Alterations/ModificationsVehicle......................................................... 12Android Auto................................................. 545Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 418, 459Capacites................................................. 460Disposal................................................... 420Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 144Anti-Lock Warning Light................................ 137Apple CarPlay................................................ 546Assist, Hill Start............................................. 151Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 467Auto Down Power Windows............................. 70Automatic Door Locks...................................... 30
Automatic Headlights.......................................50Automatic Tailgate Release.............................74Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............67Automatic Transmission....................... 235, 424Adding Fluid.............................................. 424Fluid And Filter Change............................. 424Fluid Change............................................. 424Fluid Level Check............................. 422, 423Fluid Type............................... 422, 463, 466Shifting..................................................... 239Special Additives...................................... 422Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode... 238AUX Camera......................................... 311, 318Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 153Axle Fluid.....................................424, 463, 466Axle Lubrication............................................ 424
B
Back-Up......................................................... 309Back-Up Camera........................................... 309Bar, Stabilizer/Sway System......................... 260Battery................................................. 132, 400Blanket..................................................... 225Charging System Light.............................. 132Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................15Battery Saver Feature......................................53
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553
Belts, Seat
..................................................... 210Blind Spot Monitoring.................................... 153Body Builders Guide........................................ 12Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 414B-Pillar Location............................................. 433Brake Assist System...................................... 145Brake Control System.................................... 145Brake Fluid.......................................... 421, 463Brake System...................................... 421, 452Fluid Check............................................... 421Master Cylinder......................................... 421Parking...................................................... 231Warning Light............................................ 131Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 235Bulb Replacement......................................... 351Bulbs, Light.......................................... 212, 351
C
Cab Top Clearance Lights.............................. 357Camera.......................................................... 309Camera, AUX........................................ 311, 318Camera, Rear...................................... 309, 312Camper............................................................ 98Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 460Capacities, Fluid.................................. 459, 460Caps, Filler Oil (Engine)...................................... 396, 402Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 419Car Washes................................................... 448Carbon Monoxide Warning.................. 209, 456
Cargo Light....................................................... 52Cellular Phone.............................................. 540Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 356Center Seat Storage Compartment.................. 81Charge Air Cooler.......................................... 421Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 430Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light).............................................. 143Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 209Checks, Safety.............................................. 209Child Restraint.............................................. 191Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 194Child Seat Installation..................... 202, 204How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 201Infant And Child Restraints....................... 192Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 199Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 195Older Children And Child Restraints......... 193Seating Positions...................................... 195Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 454CleaningWheels..................................................... 442Climate Control................................................ 57Automatic.................................................... 61Manual........................................................ 57Cold Weather Operation............................... 217Compact Spare Tire...................................... 441Contract, Service.......................................... 549Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 419
Cooling System............................................. 417Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 418Coolant Level................................... 418, 420Cooling Capacity.............................. 459, 460Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 420Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 418Inspection................................................. 420Points To Remember................................ 420Pressure Cap............................................ 419Radiator Cap............................................. 419Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).... 418, 459, 461, 464Corrosion Protection..................................... 447Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 280, 282Cruise Light................................................... 141Cupholders.......................................................86Customer Assistance.................................... 548Cybersecurity................................................ 467
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................49Dealer Service............................................... 401Defroster, Rear Window...................................57Defroster, Windshield............................ 57, 210Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..............................55Diagnostic System, Onboard......................... 142Diesel Exhaust Brake.................................... 232Diesel Fuel.................................................... 456Diesel Fuel Requirements............................. 456
11
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554 Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming
..................... 412Differential, Limited Slip................................ 270Disabled Vehicle Towing................................ 381Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)....................... 420Do Not Disturb............................................... 545Door Ajar........................................................ 133Door Ajar Light............................................... 133Door LocksAutomatic.................................................... 30Doors............................................................... 26Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter............ 409Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................................... 33DrivingOff-Pavement............................................ 261Off-Road.................................................... 261Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water..................................... 343Dual Rear Wheels................................ 445, 452
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 145Anti-Lock Brake System............................. 144Electronic Roll Mitigation................. 149, 153Electrical Power Outlets................................... 86Electronic Range Select (ERS)............. 238, 243Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...................146Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 132Electronically Shifted Transfer Case.... 246, 250Emergency Braking........................................ 231
Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck..................... 380Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 346Jump Starting........................................... 375Emission Control System Maintenance........ 143Engine......................................... 396, 397, 398Air Cleaner................................................ 403Block Heater.................................... 220, 229Break-In Recommendations..................... 230Compartment.................................. 397, 398Compartment Identification...................... 396Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 461, 464Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 209, 456Fails To Start............................................ 216Flooded, Starting...................................... 216Fuel Requirements.......................... 454, 459Identifcation.................................... 397, 398Idling........................................................ 226Jump Starting........................................... 375Oil..................................401, 459, 461, 464Oil Filler Cap.................................... 396, 402Oil Filter.................................................... 403Oil Reset................................................... 115Oil Selection.................................... 401, 459Oil Synthetic............................................. 403Overheating.............................................. 379Runaway................................................... 319Starting..................................................... 214Engine Oil Viscosity....................................... 402
Enhanced Accident Response Feature...189, 384
Entry System, Illuminated................................54Ethanol.......................................................... 454Exhaust Brake............................................... 232Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 209, 456Exhaust System..........................209, 416, 425Exterior Lighting...............................................48Exterior Lights........................................ 48, 212
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 403Air Conditioning................................. 69, 406Engine Fuel............................................... 409Engine Oil............................... 403, 461, 464Engine Oil Disposal................................... 403FlashersTurn Signals.............................. 51, 141, 212Flash-To-Pass...................................................50Flat Tire Stowage.......................................... 372Fluid Capacities................................... 459, 460Fluid Leaks.................................................... 212Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 421Fluid, Brake................................................... 463Fluids And Lubricants........................... 461, 464Fog Lights.............................................. 51, 355Fold Flat Load Floor.........................................84Fold-Flat Seats.................................................33Forward Collision Warning............................ 160Four Wheel Drive........................................... 246
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556 J
Jack Location
................................................. 365Jump Starting................................................ 375
K
Key Fob Panic Alarm
................................................. 15Programming Additional Key Fobs....... 16, 24Key Fob Battery Service (Remote
Keyless Entry).................................................. 15
Key Fob Programming (Remote Keyless Entry).. 16
Keyless Enter-N-Go........................28, 214, 218Lock The Vehicle’s Doors....... 476, 494, 514Passive Entry............................................... 28Passive Entry Programming............. 494, 514Keys................................................................. 14Replacement............................................... 24
L
Lane Change And Turn Signals........................ 51Lane Change Assist......................................... 52LaneSense.................................................... 306Latches.......................................................... 212Hood........................................................... 74Lead Free Gasoline........................................ 454Leaks, Fluid................................................... 212Life Of Tires................................................... 439Light Bulbs........................................... 212, 351
Lights............................................................ 212Air Bag.................................... 130, 182, 210Automatic High Beam.................................. 49Brake Assist Warning............................... 148Brake Warning.......................................... 131Bulb Replacement.................................... 351Cab Top Clearance................................... 357Cargo........................................................... 52Center Mounted Stop............................... 356Courtesy/Reading....................................... 53Cruise....................................................... 141Daytime Running......................................... 49
Electronic Stability Program(ESP) Indicator... 132
Exterior...............................................48, 212Fog........................................................... 355Four Wheel Drive Indicator....................... 255Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 346Headlights............................................ 48, 50High Beam................................................... 49Hill Descent Control Indicator................... 149Illuminated Entry......................................... 54Interior......................................................... 53Lights On Reminder..................................... 51Low Fuel................................................... 135Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)....... 133Park.......................................................... 140Passing........................................................ 50Seat Belt Reminder.................................. 130Security Alarm.......................................... 132Service..................................................... 351
Side Marker.............................................. 357Traction Control........................................ 148Transfer Case........................................... 255Turn Signals............51, 141, 212, 353, 355Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions................................ 132, 141Limited-Slip Differential....................... 270, 424Load Shed Battery Saver Mode..................... 129Load Shed Battery Saver On......................... 129Load Shed Electrical Load Reduction........... 129Load Shed Intelligent Battery Sensor............ 129Loading Vehicle............................................. 324Tires.......................................................... 433LocksAutomatic Door............................................30Child Protection...........................................30Power Door..................................................27Low Tire Pressure System............................. 163Lubrication, Body.......................................... 414Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 452
M
Maintenance....................................................73Maintenance Free Battery............................ 400Maintenance Plan......................................... 391Maintenance Schedule............... 385, 389, 391Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine)..................................... 133, 143
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